| leap second |
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noun
- A second of time added to the year occasionally to compensate for variation in the rate of Earth's rotation relative to the absolute standards of time.
| | | leap year |
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noun
- In the Gregorian calendar, a year having 366 days instead of the usual 365, with the extra day added to compensate for the fact that the Earth rotates approximately 365.25 times for each revolution it makes around the Sun.
- In the Hebrew calendar or other lunisolar calendars, a year having 13 months instead of 12, with the extra month added because 19 solar years is approximately 19
| | lever |
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noun
- (mechanics) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.
- (mechanics) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.
- (mechanics) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.
verb (levers, levering, levered, levered)
- To move with a lever.
- With great effort and a big crowbar I managed to the beam off the floor.
adverb
- (obsolete) Rather. —Chaucer.
- For lever had I die than see his deadly face. —Spenser
| | lift |
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noun
- Mechanical device for vertically transporting goods or people between floors in a building; an elevator.
- Take the to the fourth floor.
- The act of transporting someone in a vehicle; a ride; a trip.
- He gave me a to the bus station.
- An upward force, such as the force that keeps aircraft aloft.
verb
- to raise
- (slang) to steal
| | lock |
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noun
- Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.
- 1883, w:Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson, w:Treasure Island, Treasure Island
- : "Give me the key," said my mother; and though the was very stiff, she had turned it and thrown back the lid in a twinkling.
- A segment of a canal or other waterway enclosed by gates, used for raising and lowering boats between levels.
- The firing mechanism of a gun.
- (rugby) A player in the scrum behind the front row, usually the tallest members of the team.
verb
- (intransitive) To become fastened in place
- If you put the brakes on too hard, the wheels will lock.
- (intransitive) (break dancing) To freeze ones body or a part thereof in place
- a pop and lock routine
- (transitive) To fasten with a lock.
- Remember to lock the door when you leave.
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